The document, written in 1791 regarding the town of Sterling, had been in a historical collection at the Burlington library and was offered for sale to the Bailey-Howe Library at the University of Vermont, police said. The item is signed by Ira Allen, one of Vermont's most historic figures.

Coincidently, Allen founded the university.

Investigators said Patrick Rooney, 55, allegedly took the document from its original volume while given access to the collection.

The document was recovered and returned to the library.

Rooney was cited for sale of stolen property and petit larceny. He is due to appear in court on Jan. 21.